FID detects organic compounds by ionizing them in a hydrogen-air flame.
It is the most widely used GC detector for hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters, and solvents.
Advantages: High sensitivity, wide linear range, robust and low maintenance.
TCD measures changes in the thermal conductivity of the carrier gas.
It responds to both organic and inorganic compounds, including permanent gases (H₂, O₂, N₂, CO, CO₂).
Advantages: Universal response, non-destructive, simple and reliable.
ECD is highly sensitive to electronegative compounds, especially halogenated substances.
It is ideal for pesticides, PCBs, freons, and environmental residue analysis.
Advantages: Extremely high sensitivity (ppt–ppb level) for halogenated compounds.
NPD selectively detects nitrogen- and phosphorus-containing compounds using an alkali bead.
Commonly used for pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, and drug analysis.
Advantages: High selectivity and sensitivity with reduced matrix interference.
FPD detects sulfur and phosphorus compounds by measuring characteristic light emission in a flame.
It is widely applied in sulfur analysis of fuels and organophosphorus pesticide testing.
Advantages: Strong selectivity for S and P compounds.
GC-MS identifies compounds by their mass-to-charge ratio and provides structural information.
It is the preferred choice for complex samples requiring both identification and quantification.
Advantages: Highest specificity, library matching, and ultra-low detection limits.
| Detector | Best For | Sensitivity | Selectivity |
| FID | Most organic compounds | High | Universal (organics) |
| TCD | Permanent gases & general use | Moderate | Universal |
| ECD | Halogenated compounds | Extremely High | High (halogens) |
| NPD | N- and P-containing compounds | Very High | High (N/P) |
| FPD | Sulfur & phosphorus compounds | High | High (S/P) |
| MS | Identification + quantification | Extremely High | Compound-specific |
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